BJP Leaders Clash in Tug-of-War at Katni Sports Festival, Spectacle Thrills 75,000 Participants

Katni: A lively and unusual spectacle unfolded at the inaugural session of the Lok Sabha Sports Festival in Katni, Khajuraho constituency, as BJP’s senior leaders, including Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan and MP V.D. Sharma, went head-to-head in a game of tug-of-war. The spirited contest, part of the festival’s opening ceremony, left supporters and party workers cheering with excitement.

The festival, held at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Sports Ground, saw ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior party functionaries enthusiastically participate in the games. Leaders including Vijayraghavgarh MLA Sanjay Satyendra Pathak, Mudwara MLA Sandeep Jaiswal, and Bahoriband MLA Pranay Pandey joined the tug-of-war after rallying the crowd with chants emphasizing organizational strength. For a moment, VIP status was forgotten as leaders pulled with full vigor, entertaining thousands of onlookers.

Union Minister Dr. Murugan, who attended as the chief guest, said the Sports Festival is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to promote sports culture and fitness across India. “This grand event in Madhya Pradesh aims to identify young talent, provide them with professional training, and nurture athletes to compete at the international level,” he said. This year, the festival has set a record with over 75,000 participants.

International cricketer Kedar Jadhav, present at the event, lauded the initiative, noting that it provides a platform for youth to excel in sports. He expressed confidence that the players from Katni will go on to win medals for the nation in the future.

The festival will hold its semifinals in Panna, with the grand finale scheduled on 25 December, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. MP V.D. Sharma remarked that the inaugural ceremony, graced by Cabinet ministers, Olympians, and Padma Shri awardee Satyendra Lohia, marks a historic beginning for the Lok Sabha Sports Festival in Katni, celebrating both sporting and cultural talent.